Taiwan holds computer simulation of Chinese attack

TAIPEI, Taiwan 
Taiwan has begun its annual computer simulation of a Chinese attack, reflecting the island's anxiety over the continuing military threat China poses to it despite warming ties between the two sides.

Taiwan's National Security Council said late Monday that President Ma Ying-jeou and senior Cabinet ministers would participate in the one-day computer war game Tuesday.

The council said there would also be simulation of a major natural disaster to test the island's readiness in prevention and relief efforts.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own and vows to retake Taiwan, by force if necessary, despite Ma's monthslong efforts to bolster bilateral ties.